Rev Ian Paisley is back in hospital for tests, say his family

FORMER First Minister Rev Ian Paisley has been admitted to hospital for what his family say are “necessary tests”.

In a statement, his wife, Baroness Paisley, said her 87-year-old husband was “in good spirits”.

“The family are grateful for those who have expressed concern and ask that his privacy be respected,” added

In February 2012, Lord Bannside spent a week on a life support machine suffering from heart failure.

A hospital worker was later arrested for taking a picture of Dr Paisley while he was recovering on a private ward.

Dr Paisley later returned to public life after recovering.

In October 2012, he led a service outside his church in east Belfast, Martyrs’ Memorial, in memory of the unionist leader Lord Edward Carson.

Dr Paisley stood down as First Minister in 2008 and four years later stepped down from the Free Presbyterian ministry after 60 years.